The saga of Youri Tielemans’ potential transfer to Arsenal has dragged on since the end of the last season all the way to the beginning of the new campaign. However, recent developments could finally settle the Belgian’s future.
Manchester United were reported to be the biggest competitor for Arsenal when it came to fighting for Tielemans’ signature. However, David Ornstein from The Athletic has reported that the Red Devils are working on a deal to Adrien Rabiot from Juventus.
With Rabiot and Frenkie de Jong in the forefront of Manchester United’s minds, it gives Arsenal the needed boost in confidence to get the Tielemans deal over the line. The Belgian has shown throughout his career why he would be the ideal signing for the Gunners.
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Arsenal will need to sign a midfielder due to a lack of depth and quality in the middle of the park. CBS Sports reported earlier in the season that Tielemans would be available for £30m, which makes him an absolute bargain to solve the north London side's midfield issues.
The Gunners are not the only club interested in the Belgian as CBS Sports have also reported that Manchester United are interested in securing his services. However, Erik ten Hag’s recent decision to instead pursue Rabiot removes one Tielemans competitor for Arsenal.
Since the start of the 2019/2020 Premier League season, Tielemans ranks eighth for the most tackles made in the division, having tackled on 212 occasions. This is impressive for a midfielder who is more scrutinised than praised for his work on the defensive front, and it also shows why Arsenal should still pursue a deal to further accommodate the Vieira signing.
However, a deal has failed to materialise in this window Mikel Arteta's side have 'cooled' their interest in Tielemans, according to Sky Sports. The report claims that it's become increasingly likely that the Belgium international now signs a one-year contract extension at the King Power Stadium, with his current deal set to expire in 12 months.
But, this may not be Arsenal’s true intention as the same situation happened with Aaron Ramsdale in the previous summer transfer window. Tielemans would be an ideal acquisition for the Gunners, and with his cheap price tag it would be a surprise for Edu not to complete a deal.
Despite the Gunners reportedly cooling their interest in the midfielder, it is a potential deal that Edu should look to get back on track as the Belgium international would prove to be a bargain for the north London side.
The 24-year-old has been a regular in the Premier League for the last three seasons and has played a big part in Leicester's Champions League push over the last few campaigns. The midfielder's impressive performances have seen the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid show interest in him.
More importantly, he has already played in 20 Champions League games, showing that he has the necessary European experience. With Arsenal striving for their own top-four push, this will be an added bonus, and another reason why Edu should look to get a deal done. Manchester United’s intentions to sign Rabiot certainly puts less strain on a potential deal.
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